C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map

What it does

C25K is a popular fitness app designed to guide absolute beginners through an 8-week training plan to run their first 5K. The core of the app is a series of structured workouts that alternate between walking and jogging intervals, with an audio coach providing cues. It aims to make starting a running habit accessible and achievable.

Where it shines

The app excels in its focus and simplicity. The main workout screen (01:03) is clean, displaying only the essential information: the current interval type, a large timer, and progress indicators. This minimalist approach allows runners to focus on their workout without distraction. Another standout moment is the seamless music integration (01:29). Users can browse and play curated workout playlists from within the app, solving the common problem of switching between fitness and music apps during a run.

UX highlights

Contextual Monetization: The app doesn't force a paywall upfront. Instead, it appears when the user attempts to start a workout from the main screen (00:07), making the subscription feel like a natural gate to the core value.
Clear Social Proof: The paywall effectively builds trust by displaying logos of major publications like The New York Times and Forbes alongside a five-star rating (00:09).
Focused Workout UI: During a run, the interface is stripped down to the essentials. Large, legible text shows whether to walk or jog, and a prominent timer counts down the interval. This is excellent design for at-a-glance use while in motion.
Celebratory Feedback: Upon completing a workout, the app displays a summary screen with a burst of confetti (02:55), providing immediate positive reinforcement and celebrating the user's achievement.
Integrated Music Player: The ability to access and control music without leaving the workout screen is a significant UX win, enhancing the running experience.
Post-Workout Engagement Funnel: After a workout, the app guides the user through a sequence of sharing to MyFitnessPal (03:12) and then a friendly prompt to rate the app (03:37), capitalizing on the user's sense of accomplishment.

Monetization & growth

The monetization strategy is built around a single subscription plan with a 7-day free trial, which unlocks the full 8-week program and other premium features. The paywall is presented contextually, which can be effective for users who want to try before they buy. Growth is encouraged through a prominent rating prompt after the first workout, which cleverly uses a cute cat GIF to appear more friendly and increase the likelihood of positive reviews. Integration with MyFitnessPal also serves as a growth loop by tapping into an existing fitness community.

Who it’s for

The app is clearly targeted at beginner runners and individuals looking to start a fitness routine for the first time. The 'couch to 5K' model is a well-known, accessible entry point into running. The guided nature of the workouts, with clear audio cues, makes it ideal for users who need structure and motivation without the complexity of advanced running apps.

Notes & opportunities

The post-subscription experience feels slightly disjointed. The user sees a native iOS success alert (00:27) immediately followed by the app's own custom celebration screen (00:30). While the custom screen is a nice touch, the double confirmation is redundant and could be streamlined. Similarly, requesting three different system permissions back-to-back (00:37) without individual context or warm-up screens could feel abrupt to some users.